WOW – It’s a Whole New World We Are Living In!

by Charles Bryant, AASP/NJ Executive Director

Certain cars are now capable of driving themselves. You look up outside, and drones are moving around unattended…or in a manner that appears that way. Computers can prepare reports and articles on any subject based on minimal information – and they can write what you say as you speak!

Now, I know some will likely say, “Get with the times, Charles.” Well, to prevent any misunderstandings, let me make myself clear right from the start. I’m not saying there is anything wrong with where we are today or that I disagree with anything. What I am saying is that I am fascinated with it, and I never thought such things would occur in my lifetime! 

I try to stay up on the new things that get introduced in the collision industry because I run a hotline where I assist members of the industry when something goes wrong or when they have a problem they are unable to resolve on their own. It is common for someone to call me and ask a question like, “Is there a law, rule or regulation that prevents an insurer from refusing to pay for a particular operation or procedure?” My many years of experience has allowed me to gather information on issues such as this or to know where to find the answer to such questions. 

As a result, I have gathered a wealth of information that has been extremely valuable to members of the collision industry. Over the years, I can’t even begin to tell you how many of these types of questions I have been asked and answered. 

However, looking at the industry today, one might as well throw out most of the information that has been gathered over the years because it simply doesn’t pertain to the ultra-modern vehicles that are on the roads today or to the vehicles that are on the way. I should call them something other than vehicles, as what we are finding on the roads today are more like rolling computers. 

I recently got in a new vehicle, and while driving down the road, the vehicle suddenly corrected itself by pulling itself to the left just a bit because it apparently felt it was too close to the lane line on the road I was traveling on. Well, to put it politely, it scared the daylights out of me! I immediately thought someone had run into the side of the vehicle and pushed it to the left; instead, it was simply the vehicle correcting itself by automatically staying in the correct lane. 

The next thing I noticed that I wasn’t accustomed to was the headlights changing from high beam to low beams without any assistance or request from me. I know these are simple issues, but they certainly are not ones I was familiar with. However, these issues triggered me to wake up and start watching what is coming and looking at what is already here. Although these new and unique features fascinate me, I am no longer involved with the repair of damaged vehicles. 

However, it triggered me to wonder about just how many older, long time repair technicians are aware of these features vehicles are equipped with today. I am quite sure some of the older repair technicians are out there repairing these vehicles on a regular basis. 

So, I am now making a plea to members of the collision industry to reach out to me and share your experiences with some of the new modern vehicle issues that you have run into. I can be reached on the AASP/NJ Hotline at (732) 922-8909 or via email at Setlit4u@msn.com. I await your response. Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you. 

Want more? Check out the January 2025 issue of New Jersey Automotive!